"If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task — meet the biblical requirements and be found worthy of this sacred call."
1 TIMOTHY 3:1–7"The overseer must be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach — he must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him."
The applicant may be ordained at 25 years of age, provided they have been active in ministry for the required period and are otherwise fully qualified.
May be ordained at 30 years of age with the required years of active ministry, if otherwise fully qualified before the Board of Examiners.
Must meet the full biblical requirements for ministry as set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 without exception or compromise.
Must have served in active ministry for the required number of years based on age of ordination, as assessed by the State Overseer.
Must have received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by the initial sign of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
Must successfully pass the examination administered by a duly constituted Board of Examination for Ministerial Candidates.
Examination will embrace a thorough knowledge of church government as practiced within the Church of God organizational structure.
Must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of doctrine and general biblical knowledge as required by the International General Assembly.
General biblical knowledge across both Testaments of the Holy Scriptures
Organizational structure and governance of the Church of God at all levels
Core doctrines and teachings as set forth by the International General Assembly
Full Gospel theology including Spirit baptism, divine healing, and eschatology
In the case of military chaplains, the General Executive Committee shall be empowered to waive age, time, and performance minimums for ordination, if the applicant is otherwise qualified and serving in active military ministry. This exceptional provision recognizes the unique calling and service context of military pastoral work.
The Ordained Minister represents the highest ministerial rank — the culmination of faithful service, proven character, and deep knowledge of the Word of God.